Insertion tool assembly

ABSTRACT

Insertion tool assemblies for positioning an implant at a target location in a patient. Insertion tool assemblies that comprise first and second jaw portions configured to engage an implant; a sleeve assembly coupled to the first and second jaw portions; and a handle coupled to the sleeve assembly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/340,014, filed Nov. 1, 2016 (published as U.S. Pat. Pub. No.2017-0042701), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/867,392, filed Sep. 28, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,510,957, whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/326,787, filedJul. 9, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,173,750, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/764,682, filed Apr. 21, 2010, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,808,304, which are incorporated by reference herein intheir entireties for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to treatment of spinalirregularities. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the presentdisclosure relates to insertion tool assemblies that can be used toposition an implant at a target location in a patient.

BACKGROUND

Medical devices may be implanted in patients in a variety of differentsurgical procedures. In the treatment of spinal irregularities, forexample, implants may be inserted within a space created by complete orpartial removal of an intervertebral disc between adjacent vertebrae.One example of an implant that may be placed into the disc space of apatient's spine is a spacer that can maintain height of the spine and/orrestore stability to the spine. Another example of an implant that canbe placed into a patient's spine is an artificial disc that can replacethe disc while maintaining vertebral height and also preserving mobilityin the treated vertebral segment.

A spinal implant can be inserted into the patient using an anterior,lateral, or posterior approach. Combinations of these approaches (e.g.,posterolateral) can also be used. In each of these approaches, thesurgeon typically has little room to maneuver the implant to the desiredlocation. In addition, while maneuvering the implant, the surgeon mustuse care to avoid organs, nerves, and other structures that could resultin damage to the patient. Accordingly, insertion tool assemblies thatcan be used to position the implant in the patient should securely holdthe implant without allowing articulation, e.g., flexion/extension,lateral bending or axial rotation. Further, the connection between theimplant and the insertion tool assembly should be rigid enough forimpaction when being used by the surgeon. In addition, the implantshould be readily removed from the insertion tool assembly once it hasbeen placed in the desired location within the patient.

Several different insertion tool assemblies have been used heretofore toposition implants in a patient. For instance, one type of insertion toolassembly that has been used includes threaded connections for securingthe implant to the holder. These threaded assemblies may alsoincorporate vertical grooves to further secure the implant. One drawbackto threaded connections includes cross-threading and the resultingdifficulties in placing the implant in the desired position. Anothertype of insertion tool assembly that has been used includes parallelvertical jaws for securing the implant to the assembly. These jaws may,for example, protrude into upper and lower keels on the implant. Onedrawback to the parallel jaws is that the jaws may have issuesmaintaining parallelism with regards to the upper and lower endplates incertain artificial discs.

Thus, there is a need for improved insertion tool assemblies that cansecurely hold the implant while placing the implant within the patient.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention provides an insertion toolassembly. The insertion tool may comprise a first and second jawportions configured to engage an implant. The insertion tool assemblymay comprise a sleeve assembly coupled to the first and second jawportions. The insertion tool assembly may comprise a handle coupled tothe sleeve assembly.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conceptionand the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as abasis for modifying or designing other embodiments for carrying out thesame purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized bythose skilled in the art that such equivalent embodiments do not departfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These drawings illustrate certain aspects of the present invention andshould not be used to limit or define the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an insertion tool assembly in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gripping tip of an insertion toolassembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an end view of a gripping tip of an insertion tool assembly inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are side views of a gripping tip of an insertion toolassembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are exploded views of a sleeve assembly and handleassembly for an insertion tool assembly in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of an insertion tool assemblyin the locked position in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the distal end of aninsertion tool assembly in the locked position in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the proximal end of aninsertion tool assembly in the locked position in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of an insertion tool assemblyin the unlocked position in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the distal end of aninsertion tool assembly in the unlocked position in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the proximal end of aninsertion tool assembly in the unlocked position in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of an insertion tool assembly in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view an insertion tool assembly holding animplant in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate views of an implant for use with an insertiontool assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an insertion device for an insertiontool assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 19 is a side view of an insertion device for an insertion toolassembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a top view of a holding mechanism for an insertion toolassembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates another view of a holding mechanism for an insertiontool assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a sleeve for an insertion tool assemblyin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a side view of a sleeve for an insertion tool assembly inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective of implant holding jaws for an insertion toolassembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a gripping tip of an insertion toolassembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view a gripping tip of an insertion toolassembly in a locked position and holding an implant in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view a gripping tip of an insertion toolassembly and an implant in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 28 is a side view of a gripping tip of an insertion tool assemblyin a locked position and holding an implant in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a side, cross sectional view of a gripping tip of aninsertion tool assembly in a locked position and holding an implant inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a top view of a gripping tip of an insertion tool assembly ina locked position and holding an implant in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an implant for use with an insertiontool assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention provide insertion tool assembliesthat can be used to position an implant at a target location within apatient. Non-limiting examples of implants that may be used with theassemblies include spinal implants, such as spacers, artificial discs,and plates among others. Advantageously, the insertion tool assembliesshould rigidly fix the implant to the assembly during insertion of theimplant into the patient in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the implant should generally remain fixed toembodiments of the assemblies during impaction and maneuvering whenbeing used by the surgeon, for example. In certain embodiments, theinsertion tool assemblies should be able to rigidly fix the implant tothe assembly in embodiments where there is little surface area on theimplant for gripping by the assembly. This may be particularlybeneficial with certain implants, such as artificial discs.

FIG. 1 illustrates an insertion tool assembly 10 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the insertion toolassembly 10 may comprise a gripping tip 12, a sleeve assembly 14, and ahandle assembly 16. The gripping tip 12 should generally be configuredto engage an implant and fixedly couple the implant to the insertiontool assembly 10. When a physician has maneuvered the implant to adesired location with the patient, the gripping tip 12 should beconfigured to release the implant. The gripping tip 12 is generallycoupled to a sleeve assembly 14 that is disposed between the grippingtip 12 and the handle assembly 16 in the illustrated embodiment. Inaccordance with the present embodiments, the sleeve assembly 14 maycomprise one or more tubes or sleeves. As illustrated, the handleassembly 16 may be coupled to the sleeve assembly 14. In an embodiment,a physician may engage the handle assembly 16 to maneuver the implant toa target location with the patient.

FIGS. 2-5 illustrate a gripping tip 12 for an insertion tool assembly 10(see, e.g., FIG. 1) having a proximal end 18 and a distal end 20 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In theillustrated embodiment, the distal end 20 of the gripping tip 12includes a first jaw portion 22 and second jaw portion 24. The first andsecond jaw portions 22, 24 may be configured to close to fixedly securethe implant to the insertion tool assembly 10. The gripping tip 12 mayfurther include a keyed protrusion 26. As illustrated, each of the firstand second jaw portions 22, 24 may include a keyed protrusion 26 on aninterior surface 28 of the jaw portions 22, 24 that engage the implant.In certain embodiments, the keyed protrusion 26 may be configured toengage with a corresponding guide or recess on the implant so that theimplant can be fixed to the insertion tool assembly 10 as desired. In anembodiment, the guide/recess on the implant should be capable ofengaging with the keyed protrusion 26 at only one angle and orientation.The proximal end 18 of the gripping tip 12 may include a threadedportion 30 for coupling the gripping tip 12 to the sleeve assembly 14.The gripping tip 12 may include a body portion 32 disposed between thefirst and second jaw portions 22, 24 and the threaded portion 30. Asillustrated, the body portion 32 may be generally cylindrical in shapeand also may include an exterior surface 31 having a tapered portion 33.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the grippingtip 12 may further include a flanged portion 34. As illustrated, each ofthe first and second jaw portions 22, 24 may extend outwardly from theouter edges of the flanged portion 34 in the direction of thelongitudinal axis of the gripping tip 12. The flanged portion 34 mayinclude at least one (e.g., two) drill guide 36, which may beattachments to, or openings in, the flanged portion 34. The drill guide36 should generally be configured to facilitate fixed angle drillingand/or screw insertion, for example. As illustrated, each drill guide 36may include a hole 38 through which devices (e.g., drills, screws, etc.)can be inserted. In an embodiment, the holes 38 in the drill guides 36are angled inwardly (e.g., toward one another). As illustrated, one ofthe holes 38 may be angled upwardly with the other hole 38 angleddownwardly.

As illustrated by FIGS. 2-5, the gripping tip 12 may have a slot 40 thatextends from the proximal end 18 to the distal end 20 to allow flexingof the tip 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 40 extends fromthe flanged portion 34 to the body portion 32. In an embodiment, theslot 40 may be open on the distal end 20 of the gripping tip 12. Inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention, the slot 40 shouldgenerally allow flexing of the gripping tip 12 so that the first andsecond jaw portions 22, 24 can clamp down onto an implant or release theimplant. As illustrated, the slot may narrow in the tapered portion 33of the body portion 32.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate exploded views of the sleeve assembly 14 andhandle assembly 16 for an insertion tool assembly 10 (see, e.g., FIG. 1)in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 8-13illustrate additional views of the sleeve assembly and handle assembly16 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Asillustrated, the sleeve assembly 14 includes an inner sleeve 42 and anouter sleeve 44 that is disposed over the inner sleeve 42 when assembledwith the inner sleeve 42 generally configured for attachment to thegripping tip 12. In an embodiment, the distal end 46 of the inner sleeve42 contains threads 48 for forming a threaded connection with thethreaded portion 30 of the gripping tip 12. As illustrated, the outersleeve 44 may be configured to move along the outer surface of the innersleeve 42. As will be discussed in more detail below with respect toFIGS. 8-11, the outer sleeve 44 may move down the inner sleeve 42 tolock the gripping tip 12 onto the implant in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve assembly 14 further includes aplunger 50 that is disposed inside the inner sleeve 42. The plunger 50may include, for example, a tip 51 that extends through the distal end46 of the inner sleeve 42. As illustrated, the plunger 50 may be coupledto a threaded nut 52. A set screw 53, for example, may be used to fixthe plunger 50 to the threaded nut 52. The threaded nut 52 may bedisposed in the proximal end 54 of the inner sleeve 42. In theillustrated embodiment, the inner sleeve 42 includes at least one (e.g.,two) slot 56 in its proximal end 54 through which the exterior threadsof the threaded nut 52 extend. The slot 56 allows for translation of thethreaded nut 52 within the inner sleeve 42. As illustrated by FIG. 10,the proximal end 60 of outer sleeve 44 can be threaded onto the threadsof the threaded nut 52. The sleeve assembly 14 may further include aspring 58 in the inner sleeve 42 with the spring 58 engaging thethreaded nut 52, in accordance with an embodiment. In an embodiment, thespring 58 provides force to maintain engagement between the threaded nut52 and the handle assembly 16. In other words, the spring 58 preventsthe threaded nut 52 from freely sliding within the inner sleeve 42 andpushes the nut 52 toward the proximal end of the slot 56 in the innersleeve 42.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate the insertion tool assembly 10 (see, e.g., FIG. 1)with the gripping tip 12 in a locked position in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The insertion tool assembly 10 maybe placed in the locked position, for example, to secure the grippingtip 12 to an implant. To place the insertion tool assembly 10 in alocked position in accordance with one embodiment, the outer sleeve 44can be forced down the inner sleeve 42 and onto the gripping tip 12. Asthe distal end 62 of the outer sleeve engages the beveled surface 33 ofthe gripping tip 12, the gripping tip 12 should flex closing the firstand second jaw portions 22, 24 onto the implant. In this manner, theimplant may be rigidly fixed to the insertion tool assembly 10 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The surgeon maythen maneuver the implant to the desired position in the patient, forexample.

In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 8-10, the plunger 50 is disposedin the slot 40 of the gripping tip 12 when the insertion tool assembly10 is in the locked portion. As illustrated, the slot 40 includes anarrow portion 64 having a diameter less than the diameter of theplunger 50. In an embodiment, the narrow portion 64 is generally in thebeveled portion 33 of the gripping tip 12.

FIGS. 11-14 illustrate the insertion tool assembly 10 (see e.g., FIG. 1)with the gripping tip 12 in an unlocked position in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The insertion tool assembly 10 maybe placed in the unlocked position, for example, to release the implantfrom the gripping tip 12. The implant may be released from the insertiontool assembly 10, for example, after it has been maneuvered to thedesired position within the patient. To place the insertion toolassembly 10 in an unlocked position in accordance with one embodiment,the tip 51 of the plunger 50 can be forced into the narrow portion 64 ofthe slot 40. This should cause the gripping tip 12 to flex outwardlyforcing open the first and second jaw portions 22, 24 releasing theimplant. In an embodiment, the plunger 50 may be forced further into theslot 40 by tightening the outer sleeve 44 against the handle assembly16. As illustrated, tightening the outer sleeve 44 may engage thethreaded nut 52 such that tightening the outer sleeve 44 should forcethe threaded nut 52 and, thus, the plunger 50, further down the innersleeve 42. It should be understood that other suitable techniques forforcing the plunger 50 further into the slot 40 may be used inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an insertion tool assembly 10 in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, theinsertion tool assembly 10 may comprise a retractable insertion device66, a sleeve 68 disposed over the retractable insertion device 66, and ahandle 70. As illustrated by FIG. 15, the retractable insertion device66 may hold an implant 72 while the implant 72 is gripped between endsof the sleeve 68. Operation of the insertion tool assembly 10 forholding the implant 72 will be described in more detail with referenceto the following figures.

As previously mentioned, insertion tool assemblies of the presentinvention may be used with a wide variety of implants, such as spacersand artificial discs. FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate an implant 72 (e.g., anartificial disc) that can be used with insertion tool assembly 10. In anembodiment, the implant 72 may be used, for example, with the insertiontool assembly 10 illustrated by FIGS. 14 and 15. As illustrated, theimplant 72 may comprise endplates 74. Each of the endplates 74 maycomprise one or more (e.g., two) holes 76 in the inner face 78. In theillustrated embodiment, the holes 76 are blind holes. As illustrated,each of the endplates may further comprise at least one (e.g., two) keel80. In an embodiment, the inner face 78 of each of the endplate 74contains an alignment groove 82. In addition, the inner face 78 of eachendplate may also contain protruding portion 84, which as illustrated byFIG. 17 may be rounded. In an embodiment, the holes 76 may be disposedin the inner face 78 between the protruding portion 84 and the anteriorend 86.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a retractable insertion device 66 for aninsertion tool assembly 10 (see, e.g., FIGS. 15 and 16) in more detailin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Asillustrated, the retractable insertion device 66 may comprise a holdingdevice 88, a rod portion 90, and a threaded portion 92. The holdingdevice 88 may be disposed on the distal end 94 of the rod portion 90. Aswill be discussed in more detail below, the holding device 88 may beconfigured to interlock with an implant, such as implant 72 on FIGS. 16and 17. The threaded portion 92 may be disposed on the proximal end 96of the rod portion 90. In an embodiment, the threaded portion 92 may beconfigured to threadedly connect with the handle 70 (see, e.g., FIG.14).

FIG. 20 illustrates a holding device 88 for an insertion device 66 (see,e.g., FIGS. 18 and 19) in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. The insertion device 66 may be coupled to the distal end 94of the rod portion 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the holding device88 may be generally paddle shaped. As illustrated, the outer edge 98 ofthe holding device 88 may have a concave portion 100. However, it shouldbe understood that the alternate embodiments may include an outer edgethat is straight or convex, for example. In an embodiment, the concaveportion 100 of the outer edge 98 has a beveled surface 102. The upperface 104 of the holding device 88 may comprise one or more (e.g., two)holes 106 for receiving pins (e.g., pins 108 on FIG. 21). In anembodiment, the holes 106 are blind holds. In certain embodiments, thepins may be configured to engage with corresponding holes in the implant(e.g., holes 76 on FIGS. 16 and 17). While not illustrated, the holdingdevice 88 may comprise a lower face that is similar to the upper face104 in that the lower face may include one or more holes for receivingpins that interlock the holding device 88 with an implant in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. For example, the pins inthe upper face 104 may be configured to engage with holes 76 in theinner face 78 of an endplate 74 (see, e.g., FIG. 14) while the lowerface may interlock with holes 76 in the inner face 78 of the opposingendplate 74 (see, e.g., FIG. 14), securing the implant 72 to the holdingdevice 88. In an embodiment, the pins may be configured to retract sothat the implant can be released as desired.

FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment of a holding device 88 for aninsertion device 66 (see, e.g., FIGS. 18 and 19). The holding device 88is similar to the device illustrated on FIG. 19. For example, theholding device 88 is generally paddle shaped and comprises pins 108 inholes 106 for interlocking the insertion device 66 in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. However, rather than having anouter edge 98 with a concave portion 100 as illustrated on FIG. 19, theembodiment of FIG. 20 illustrates an outer edge 98 that is generallystraight in shape. In addition, the holding device 88 of this embodimentcomprises a wedge 110 that protrudes from the upper face 104 of theholding device 88. In certain embodiments, the wedge 110 may beconfigured to engage with a corresponding opening in the implant 72(e.g., alignment groove 82 on FIG. 14) so that the holding device 88 canbe fixed to the implant 72 as desired. In an embodiment, the wedge 110of the holding device 88 is capable of engaging with the alignmentgroove 82 at only one angle and orientation.

FIGS. 22-24 illustrate a sleeve 68 having implant holding jaws 112 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated,the sleeve 68 comprises implant holding jaws 112, sleeve portion 114,and a flanged end 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 68comprises a throughbore extending 118 longitudinally through the sleeve68, for example. The implant holding jaws 112 may be disposed on thedistal end 118 of the sleeve portion 114. As will be discussed in moredetail below, the implant holding jaws 112 may be configured to engagethe implant 72 (see, e.g., FIG. 15). The flanged end 116 may be disposedon the proximal end 122 of the sleeve 68.

As illustrated by FIGS. 22-24, the implant holding jaws 112 generallymay comprise a body portion 124 having a first jaw portion 126 and asecond jaw portion 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the throughbore118 in the sleeve 68 enlarges to form a slot 130 in the body portion 124of the implant holding jaws 112. In other words, the entrance to thethroughbore 68 is a slot 130 in the body portion 124 of the implantholding jaws 112 in accordance with certain embodiments. Embodiments ofthe implant holding jaws 112 may comprise a first jaw portion 126 andsecond jaw portion 128 configured to engage an implant. For example, thefirst and second jaw portions 126, 128 may engage, for example, an upperface of an implant 72 as illustrated by FIG. 15. For example, the firstand second jaw portions 126, 128 may be configured to engage an angledportion of the keel extending from the upper face of the implant 72. Asillustrated, at least a portion the first and second jaw portions 126,128 may be protrusions or raised surfaces on opposite sides of the bodyportion 124 with the jaw tips 130 extending beyond the edge of the bodyportion 124. In an embodiment, the implant 72 (see, e.g., FIG. 15) isheld between the jaw tips 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the jawtips 130 form a flared opening for receiving the implant 72.

An example method for holding the implant 72 with the insertion toolassembly 10 will be described in more detail with respect to FIGS.14-24. An embodiment for holding the implant 72 includes coupling theimplant 72 to the retractable insertion device 66. Coupling the implant72 to the retractable insertion device 66 may include disposing one ormore pins 108 on an upper face 104 of the retractable insertion device66 into one or more corresponding holes 76 in an endplate 74 of theimplant 72. Coupling the implant 72 further may include disposing one ormore pins 108 on a lower face of the retractable insertion device 66into one or more corresponding holes 76 in another endplate 74 of theimplant 72. With the implant 72 coupled to the retractable insertiondevice 66, the insertion device 66 may be retracted into the sleeve 68.Retracting the insertion device 66 into the sleeve 68 may includerotation of the handle 70. As illustrated by FIG. 18, a portion of theretractable insertion device 66 may retract into the slot 130 in thebody portion 124 of the implant holding jaws 112. As the retractableinsertion device 66 retracts into the sleeve 68, the implant holdingjaws 112 of the sleeve 68 should engage the implant 72. In anembodiment, the implant holding jaws 112 should force together theendplates 74 of the implant 72. In this manner, the implant 72 may berigidly fixed to the insertion tool assembly 10 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The surgeon may then maneuver theimplant 72 to the desired position in the patient, for example.

As previously described with respect to FIGS. 1-13, embodiments of theinsertion tool assemblies of the present invention may comprise agripping tip 12. FIGS. 25-29 illustrate alternative embodiments of agripping tip 12 that may be used to secure an implant to the insertiontool assembly 10. In an embodiment, the gripping tip 12 illustrated byFIGS. 25-29 may be used with a sleeve assembly 14 and handle assembly 16as illustrated by FIGS. 1-13. It should be understood, however, that thegripping tip 12 illustrated in these figures may also be used inconjunction with other tube assemblies and handle assemblies inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 31 illustrates an implant 72 (e.g., an artificial disc) that can beused with insertion tool assembly 10. In an embodiment, the implant 72may be used, for example, with the insertion tool assembly 10illustrated by FIGS. 25-30. As illustrated, the implant 72 may compriseendplates 74. Each of the endplates 74 may comprise one or more (e.g.,two) lateral slots 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral slots134 are located on the anterior end 86 of the implant 72. Asillustrated, the lateral slots 134 may be symmetrical along the centralaxis of the implant 72. In an alternate embodiment, one or more (e.g.,two) lateral slots 134 may be located in the posterior end of theimplant 72 in addition to, or instead of, the lateral slots 134 in theanterior end 86. In addition, the anterior face 136 of each of theendplates 74 may contain one or more (e.g., two) openings 138.Non-limiting examples of the openings 138 include slots, round holes,and square holes. In an alternate embodiment, one or more (e.g., two)openings may be located in the posterior end of the implant 72 inaddition to, or instead of, the openings 138 in the anterior end 86. Asillustrated, each of the endplates may further comprise at least one(e.g., two) keel 80.

FIG. 25 illustrates a gripping tip 12 that may be used to secure animplant to the insertion tool assembly 10 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the gripping tip 12has a proximal end 18 and a distal end 20 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, thegripping tip 12 includes a threaded portion 30, a body portion 32, and aflanged portion 34. The threaded portion 30 may be disposed, forexample, on the proximal end 18 of the gripping tip 12 for coupling thegripping tip 12 to the sleeve assembly 14. The body portion 32 may bedisposed, for example, between the threaded portion 30 and the flangedportion 34. As illustrated, the body portion 32 may be generallycylindrical in shape and also may include an exterior surface 31 havinga beveled portion 33.

In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end 20 of the gripping tip 12may include a first jaw portion 22 and a second jaw portion 24. Thefirst and second jaw portions 22, 24 may be configured to close tofixedly secure the implant to the insertion tool assembly 10. In anembodiment, the first and second jaw portions 22, 24 may be configuredto engage with the lateral slots 134 in the endplates 74 of the implant(see, e.g., FIG. 31). As illustrated, the first and second jaw portions22, 24 may be generally curved or rounded shape. In an embodiment, thefirst and second jaw portions 22, 24 extend outwardly and longitudinallyfrom the outer edges of the flanged portion 34. One or more (e.g., two,four, etc.) projections 140 may also extend outwardly and longitudinallyfrom the flanged portion 34. As illustrated, the projections 140 mayextend outwardly from the flanged portion 34 on the edge of slot 40. Theprojections 140 may be, for example, round or elliptical pins. Theprojections 140 may be generally configured to engage with correspondingopenings 138 in the implant 72 (see, e.g., the implant 72 illustrated onFIG. 31). In an embodiment, the projections 140 should engage theimplant 72 to, for example, stabilize the implant 72 from twisting orbeing able to articulate.

In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 25, the gripping tip 12 may have aslot 40 that extends from the proximal end 18 to the distal end 20 toallow flexing of the tip 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 40extends from the flanged portion 34 to the body portion 30. In anembodiment, the slot 40 may open on the distal end 20 of the grippingtip 12. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, theslot 40 should generally allow flexing of the gripping tip 12 so thatthe first and second jaw portions 22, 24 can clamp down on an implant 72or release the implant. For example, the first and second jaw portions22, 24 may clamp down into the lateral slots 134 of the implant 72. Asillustrated, the slot 40 may narrow in the beveled portion 33 of thebody portion 32.

FIG. 26 illustrates the insertion tool assembly 10 of FIG. 25 with thegripping tip 12 in a locked position and holding the implant 72 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The insertiontool assembly 10 may be placed in the locked position, for example, tosecure the gripping tip 12 to the implant 72. The implant 72 may bepositioned, for example, with the protrusions 140 positioned in thecorresponding openings 138 in the implant 72. The outer sleeve 44 of thesleeve assembly 14 may then be forced down and onto the gripping tip 12.As the outer sleeve 44 engages the beveled surface 33 of the grippingtip 12, the gripping tip 12 should flex, clamping the first and secondjaw portions 22, 24 into the corresponding lateral slots 134 of theimplant 72. In this manner, the implant 72 may be rigidly fixed to theinsertion tool assembly 10 in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. The surgeon may then maneuver the implant 72 to thedesired position in the patient, for example. Once the implant has beenmaneuvered to the desired position within the patient, the implant maybe released from the gripping tip. Any of a variety of differenttechniques may be utilized to cause the insertion tool assembly 10 torelease the implant 72 when desired. For example, a plunger 51 (see,e.g., FIG. 6) may be inserted into the slot 40 to force apart the firstand second jaw portions 22, 24.

FIGS. 27-30 illustrate a gripping tip 12 that may be used to secure animplant 72 to an insertion tool assembly 10 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the gripping tip 12includes body portion 32, flanged portion 34, and arms 142. The flangedportion 30 may be disposed on the distal end 20 of the gripping tip 12.In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping tip 12 has one or more(e.g., two) arms 142 coupled to the body portion 32. As illustrated, thegripping tip 12 may include two arms 142 on opposing sides of the bodyportion 32. The arms 142 may be movably coupled to the body portion 32.Each of the arms 142 may include a jawed end 144. The arms 42 may beconfigured to swing closed forcing the jawed ends 144 to clamp onto theimplant 72 securing the implant 72 to the insertion tool assembly 10. Inan embodiment, the jawed ends 144 may be configured to engage with thelateral slots 134 in the endplates 74 of the implant 72. As illustrated,the jawed ends 144 may be generally curved or rounded in shape. One ormore (e.g., two) projections 140 may extend outwardly and longitudinallyfrom the flanged portion 34. The projections 140 may be, for example,round or elliptical pins. The projections 140 may be generallyconfigured to engage with corresponding openings 138 in the implant 72.In an embodiment, the projections 140 should engage the implant 72 to,for example, stabilize the implant 72 from twisting or being able toarticulate.

FIGS. 28-30 illustrate the insertion tool assembly 10 with the grippingtip 12 of FIG. 27 in a locked position and holding the implant 72 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The insertiontool assembly 10 may be placed in the locked position, for example, tosecure the gripping tip 12 to the implant 72. The implant 72 may bepositioned, for example, with the protrusions 140 positioned in thecorresponding openings 138 in the implant 72. The arms 142 may then beactuated to swing closed. By way of example, a plunger 51 from thesleeve assembly 14 may be pushed into the body portion 32 to force thearms 142 to swing closed. As the arms 142 swing closed, the jawed ends144 of the arms 142 should to clamp down on the implant 72 in thelateral slots 134. In this manner, the implant 72 may be rigidly fixedto the insertion tool assembly 10 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. The surgeon may then maneuver the implant 72 tothe desired position in the patient, for example. Once the implant hasbeen maneuvered to the desired position within the patient, the implantmay be released from the gripping tip. Any of a variety of differenttechniques may be utilized to cause the insertion tool assembly 10 torelease the implant 72 when desired. For example, the plunger 51 may beremoved from the body portion 32 to release the arms 142 causing them toswing open.

While it is apparent that the invention disclosed herein is wellcalculated to fulfill the objects stated above, it will be appreciatedthat numerous modifications and embodiments may be devised by thoseskilled in the art. While devices and methods are described in terms of“comprising,” “containing,” “having,” or “including” various elements orsteps, the devices and methods can also “consist essentially of” or“consist of” the various elements and steps.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for positioning an implant betweenadjacent vertebral bodies, said method comprising the steps of: couplingan implant to an insertion tool assembly; delivering the implant betweenthe adjacent vertebral bodies using the insertion tool assembly, whereinthe insertion tool assembly includes: a gripping tip having a proximalportion, a body portion, and a distal portion, wherein the distalportion comprises a first jaw portion and a second jaw portion, whereinthe body portion is disposed between the first and second jaw portions,and wherein the gripping tip includes a first drill guide angledupwardly and a second drill guide angled downwardly, wherein thegripping tip further comprises a slot that extends through the grippingtip to accommodate flexing of the gripping tip, fixating the implantbetween the adjacent vertebral bodies using the drill guides.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first drill guide and the second drillguide extend through the distal portion of the gripping tip.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first drill guide comprises a firstchannel and the second drill guide comprises a second channel, whereinthe first channel and the second channel are angled inwardly toward eachother.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the slot extends through theproximal portion, the body portion and the distal portion of thegripping tip.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second jawportions are configured to flex inwardly toward one another when in alocked position.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the gripping tipfurther comprises a first inwardly extending portion that extendsdistally from a first recess and a second inwardly extending portionthat extends distally from a second recess.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the gripping tip comprises a flanged portion.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the flanged portion includes the first drill guide inthe form of a first channel and the second drill guide in the form of asecond channel.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the gripping tipfurther includes a keyed protrusion configured to engage a correspondingrecess on an implant.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the grippingtip is configured to engage an implant and fixedly couple the implant tothe insertion tool assembly.
 11. A method for delivering an implant to asurgical site, said method comprising the steps of: coupling an implantto an insertion tool assembly; delivering the implant to the surgicalsite using the insertion tool assembly, wherein the insertion toolassembly includes: a handle assembly; a sleeve assembly extending fromthe handle assembly; and a gripping tip operably connected to the sleeveassembly, wherein the gripping tip comprises a proximal portion, a bodyportion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion comprises afirst jaw portion and a second jaw portion, wherein the body portion isdisposed between the first and second jaw portions, and wherein thegripping tip includes a first drill guide angled upwardly and a seconddrill guide angled downwardly, wherein the gripping tip furthercomprises a slot that extends through the gripping tip to accommodateflexing of the gripping tip.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thefirst drill guide and the second drill guide extend through the distalportion of the gripping tip.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein thefirst drill guide comprises a first channel and the second drill guidecomprises a second channel, wherein the first channel and the secondchannel are angled inwardly toward each other.
 14. The method of claim11, wherein the slot extends through the proximal portion, the bodyportion and the distal portion of the gripping tip.
 15. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the first and second jaw portions are configured toflex inwardly toward one another when in a locked position.
 16. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the gripping tip further comprises a firstinwardly extending portion that extends distally from a first recess anda second inwardly extending portion that extends distally from a secondrecess.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the gripping tip comprises aflanged portion.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the flanged portionincludes the first drill guide in the form of a first channel and thesecond drill guide in the form of a second channel.